Vayne's POV
As the Gamma of the pack, my foremost responsibility was to ensure the safety of the pack, making daily routine patrols essential. Especially following the recent skirmish with the rival pack, the likelihood of retaliatory actions against our pack was steadily increasing.
However, at this moment, my thoughts were consumed by the conversation I had with Talon last night. From the pack's perspective, I should have unquestioningly believed Zed's words. Yet, for some inexplicable reason, when I recalled Talon's penetrating gaze, I found myself sympathizing with the tale he shared.
"The one about the woman named Caitlyn," I mumbled in my mind. A sudden, alarming thought struck me: if I truly was as Talon described, I was the girl named Caitlyn. What about everything I had now?I furrowed my brow tightly, and my head felt on the brink of explosion from rapid thoughts.
"Gamma, something was wrong. We were just attacked by the Blackmoon Pack while patrolling the outskirts. We suffered heavy losses, and Ms. Karma was taken captive."
Just as I was contemplating intensely, a sudden cry of alarm echoed from behind me. I swiftly turned my head to find a scarred werewolf warrior staggering toward me. His face bore nearly dried blood stains, and he looked at me with a pleading expression.
"When did this happen?" I forced myself to calm down, listening to his words as I frowned at him.
"Just now. Ms. Karma instructed us to go around the back of the mountain. We had barely entered the forest when the Blackmoon Pack's men ambushed us, surrounding us. I barely escaped because they created a gap as hard as they could. Gamma, you'd better get going. They specifically mentioned that they want you before they'll release Ms. Karma."
The werewolf soldier spoke with teary eyes, using the back of his hand to wipe tears from the corners of his eyes.
"Where are their people now?" I hesitated, not having much affection for the troublemaker Karma myself, especially after her public provocation with her father, Kayn, a while back.
Although they were subdued by me in the end, they had crossed my bottom line.
However, regardless, Karma was also a member of the Fullmoon Pack, and it was also my responsibility to handle such situations.
"They're heading towards the back mountains. After our tussle, they've sustained some wear and tear. They're probably still wandering around the forest at this time, so they can't be far away."
He turned around, struggled to stand up straight, and pointed his finger in the direction of the forest.
"Alright, I understand. Why don't you go to the pack and inform the Alpha first? I'll head over there myself to make sure Karma's alright."
I took a deep breath and responded in a hushed voice.
"Can you handle it alone, then?"
The werewolf soldier glared up at me.
"Just go inform the Alpha."
After saying that, I rushed towards the forest without looking back. As the werewolf soldier saw me leaving, the worry on his face slowly faded and was replaced by a hint of cunning. However, at that time, I was so hurry that notice this subtle detail.
The back of the pack's mountain was generally strictly forbidden to pass through because many werewolf ancestors were buried there, and there were also several internal secrets of the pack. Earlier, Alpha mentioned that I awakened my ability on a platform in the back of the mountain.
However, the werewolf soldier mentioned that Karma had taken the initiative to go there early. Considering her bratty nature, I feared she might have coerced the other werewolf soldiers to disobey the pack's rules with her. Perhaps her goal was to spy on the reason for my increased strength. Thinking of this, I couldn't help but shake my head and somewhat regret agreeing to rescue her.
Soon, I arrived at the forest behind the mountain. Because no one had passed by for years, the entire forest was filled with towering trees that covered the sky. A gray mist floated in the sky above the forest, blocking the sunlight and adding a solemn aura.
I followed the direction pointed out by the werewolf soldier and found some traces of a fight on the ground. I even discovered dried blood on the trunks of the surrounding trees.
But strangely enough, not a single corpse was to be found anywhere. According to what he had just said, both sides must have erupted into a burst of violent fighting. In line with my previous experiences in the Blackmoon Pack, those who found an opportunity would undoubtedly return with a vengeance.
However, at the moment, everything seemed to deviate from my expectations. I gently smacked my lips, sensing an unusual atmosphere.
Through my observations, I vaguely discerned the trajectory of their movements. Simultaneously, a few frightened birds flew up from the nearby canopy, an obvious early warning that someone was traversing the area. Without delay, I quickened my pace and followed closely.
Unconsciously, I traced the signs into the depths of the forest. Upon reaching an open flat area, no traces were visible.
Towering trees surrounded the area like serious-looking guards, steadfastly staring at the potential threat. Realizing this was a prime ambush spot, a cramped path was the only retreat.
At that very moment, a sudden rustling surrounded me.
"Oh no!" I exclaimed silently, just about to withdraw when I noticed a group of werewolf soldiers, all dressed in identical clothes, emerging slowly from the low shrubs around me. The Blackmoon Pack's insignia adorned all their attire; they were unmistakably members of the Blackmoon Pack.
It became evident that I had fallen into their trap.
"Are you the Fullmoon Pack's newest Gamma. Coming alone to the rescue, you must not fear death," mocked the werewolf leading the group, none other than the Blackmoon Pack's Alpha, Hecarim, whom I had defeated in my previous conquest.
"Hecarim, hand over Karma quickly. Perhaps I can still spare your life," I declared in a cold tone upon seeing Karma standing unharmed amongst them, casting me a gaze filled with complex emotions.
"You think you defeated me that easily last time, so you can won me again? Little girl. You still have much to learn," sneered Hecarim before stepping aside. I obediently raised my head and looked over to find Karma staring at me with somewhat complicated eyes.